Should I take the salt plunge? :)

Russ_in_Georgia · 07-15-2008, 08:24 AM

I've got a 55g planted community I've had up and running for about a year now as well as a 'bookshelf' 6.6 gallon tank to try my hand at breeding Red Cherry Shrimp. But we all know that's not enough

and I've had the salt bug for months now.

I've come across a "35 gallon acrylic" rectangle with HOB filter, sand, rocks (look either dead or fake in pic, only 2 small pieces) and 2 clown fish, no specific breed or sex mentioned.

I haven't had a chance to go look at it yet to see what condition it's in, etc. Is there anything I should look out for? Is acrylic OK for salt? Any drawbacks to not using glass? Should I look to see if it has a certain type or amount of lighting in the hood? They're asking $300 obo which seems like a good deal for that tank size + stand and a cycled set up.

If I got this tank I'd want to end up adding live rock, a few Zoas, and maybe some inverts like fire shrimp if that adds anything I'd need equipment wise.

Are there any good salt tank books worth picking up?

Thanks in advance!

unclejed · 07-15-2008, 08:33 AM

In my opinion (I should be getting a kick back for all the times I've mentioned his book) "The conscientious Marine Aquarist" by Robert Fenner is one of the best.

orb4me · 07-15-2008, 03:12 PM

Ive been told acrylic tanks scratch very easy and will turn yellowish after a while. Ive never had one, just stuff Ive heard or read.

As for books, IMO, you can get the same info on line, especially here, and no need to buy a book. instead you can buy a fish!!

Russ_in_Georgia · 07-15-2008, 03:21 PM

I've read about the scratching issue with acrylic, but wondered if it's due to what may grow on the sides of the tank that you have to remove with something like a mag-float or people getting grit in their cleaning tool of choice, etc...

E46er · 07-15-2008, 08:46 PM

well ive had a planted tank for about a year now and over the past few months ive helped a buddy set up a 220 planted and i decided im gonna set up a salt tank which i have wanted forever.

so far ive got a 120G tank dual overflows, drilled for closed loop circulation, a dart pump for the CL, a 40G breeder sump, MH lights, and a euro reef rs135 skimmer. and its not as expensive as i thought mind you ive been getting pretty good deals and its super exciting. i say go for it

Russ_in_Georgia · 07-17-2008, 08:51 AM

I called and talked to the seller and wasn't impressed. The hood only has one bulb so I'm thinking it's nowhere near what I'd need for corals...

So I was looking around online and come across the Red Sea Max 34gal system. I only saw one reference to this kit searching the forum and short of needing to add a chiller it looks like it had everything that person needed. How often is it that a system needs a chiller? I'm assuming it's the lights that generate all the heat?

Are there better alternatives when looking at a kit like this? I had looked briefly at nanocubes a few months back but realized anything less than 30+ gallons wouldn't keep me happy

We don't have room in the house for what I'd really like to build (120g) so either something like the Red Sea Max system or a scratchbuilt ~35-55 is where I'm going to end up...

Opinions?

Judge · 07-17-2008, 11:57 AM

Hey Russ I think going salt is a very good idea. Can't say much about acrylic, both my tanks are glass. I have heard they can scratch but so can glass. Difference is that one can be smoothed or polished out and the other cannot. As far as lighting goes it depends on what types of coral you are planning to keep. Not all corals require Metal halide lighting, which is where the heat comes from. Even my PC lights get hot but I have a cheap walmart fan that I have aimed at the water surface and if needed I just turn it on. Orb is correct, there is much information on the internet, however not all of it good! As Uncle Jed has stated the book "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" by Fenner is a great tool and the info is dependable. Therefore, IMHO well worth the money and handy to have when you need something quickly. Good luck with your new project and keep us posted.

Russ_in_Georgia · 07-18-2008, 08:33 AM

So no one has opinion on Red Sea Max vs Other all-in-one vs roll your own?

las4444 · 07-18-2008, 08:44 AM

I would go larger and would build my own from the ground up. You will quickly discover that there are many options and some my not be for you.
you can only have a few fish in a 35 gallon tank. What happens when you see the coolest fish and want to add it. Mix corals in the picture and the fish count lessens even more.

I use books and on line resources. For corals, on line resources are way to vague and tend to generalize. I use comprehensive books for coral care and selection. Just my opinion!

orb4me · 07-18-2008, 06:41 PM

One thing I did find out..... pricey!!!!! red sea-$750.00 for 29 gal